Heroines of the past and inspiration from ‘Chai’ at WIFW

New Delhi, March 10 (IANS) Be ready to watch great women of the past - Rani Lakshmibai and Chand Bibi - in today’s fashion through designer Charu Parashar’s modern outlook and sip a cup of ‘Hi-Tea’ with designer Nida Mahmood, as the two showcase their collection at the upcoming Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week (WIFW). While Parashar has taken inspiration from the great women of history and dressed them up with the latest trends of the 21st century, Mahmood is dedicating her collection “High on Chai” to the images and the essence of tea from British rule to today as well as India’s streets.

“Everyone needs a cup of ‘chai’ (tea). The spirit of India lies in the streets and ‘chai’ is the quintessence of that spirit. The whole idea of this theme is to see how ‘chai’ has evolved from the British rule till today. The concept of hi-tea is still prominent in India and one can’t forget the fact that most of us are addicted to tea,” Mahmood told IANS at the preview of her autumn-winter collection here Tuesday.

“The collection has a strong British feel in the beginning and at the end, it has a street feel to it. Basically I am marrying two different eras and putting them together,” she added.

The collection is an ode to India where ‘chai’ is being used as a metaphor for being ‘high on life’.

The colour palette is a bit muted this season, unlike of Mahmood who loves to use bright colours.

“It is a conscious decision because the theme demanded it. I have used a lot of ivory, black, greys, ash blues, deep plum red and a bit of emerald in my line,” she explained.

“This time I have experimented a lot with panels and shoulders so you get the feel of British era through my line,” she added.

The line has a mix of outfits starting from saris to tunics, from trouser suits to big jackets. Also the designer will also be showcasing her shoe and bag range with the collection.

In this fashion week, Parashar - who already has the ‘Charu Parasher’ label - is launching another one, ‘Utpala’ that is a di-fusion line and focuses on structured western garments.

“This line is to shut up the critics who believe that I can’t go beyond Indian wear. The focus here is on structured and tailored garments. The silhouettes are simple and very wearable,” Parashar told IANS at the preview of her autumn-winter collection here Tuesday.

Elaborating on the inspirational part, Parashar said that the line is dedicated to all the brave and beautiful ladies of the past like Rani Lakshmibai and Chand Bibi, who were courageous but very simple women.

“The whole idea is to see how they will look or dress up, if they were living in 21st century. I have used mufflers, scarves, caps and head gears in every dress to give it a historical touch. The collection will bring out the sexiness and softness of these brave women on stage,” Parashar said.

The fabrics used for the collection vary from silk to chiffon and from satins to cotton.

“I have kept wearability in mind, as a result of which all my garments are wearable and very comfortable as well,” she said.